Six suprisingly cheap ways to enjoy Venice in its quietest season ...Middle East

There’s a reason visitors congregate in certain places. The European city that has become most synonymous with overtourism feels like somewhere everyone should be able to experience. Venice’s atmosphere, history and geography form a unique alchemy.

But tourists’ sense of ownership turns places from living, breathing communities into quasi-theme parks, robbing them of their spirit and making them unbearable for residents.

Statistics show that the city received around 5.6 million visitors in 2023; the main island’s population is around 50,000.

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Venice‘s newest way of dealing with overcrowding is an entry fee for daytrippers. A pilot took place 2024, and the scheme is returning for 2025. On peak days this spring and summer, the levy will double from €5 to €10 (£4-£8) – for those who pay at the last minute.

But the wondrousness of the city is not season specific. There’ll always be a generous helping of tourists, yet winter – aside from during the weeks of the Venice Carnvial – lacks the overwhelming masses. The popularity of a destination pushes up prices. However, the chance to experience the city for less is made easier when free or cheap activities are not oversubscribed, as they will be during the hottest months.

Here are six ways to enjoy Venice for less.

Opt for a water taxi to experience a gondola for less (Photo: Getty)

Private gondolas are notoriously costly. The least you’ll pay for a ride is €90 (£75) for half an hour on the water. For some, it’s top of the Venice tick list. However, if you want to get in one of the low boats, but are looking to save, communal gondola taxis – known as Traghetti – are the answer. It takes less than five minutes to cross the water and the fee is €2 (£1.70) – but it’s a price-accessible way to enjoy this classic perspective on the Grand Canal.

Tuck into cichetti

It’s easy to be lured into a tourist trap restaurant, where an average-tasting plate of pasta could set you back €20 (£16.70).

Venice’s take on tapas is an affordable alternative to a sit-down meal. Typically eaten with an alcoholic drink, such as a Spritz, plates can start from €1 (£0.80). Highlights include baccalà mantecato, a salted fish dish. These snack-sized portions are available at bacari, traditional bars, where approaches to serving vary – you might stand at the bar, but some have table service.

Libreria Acqua Alta has a population of cats (Photo: Getty)

The city’s big hitters, such as Doge’s Palace, will make a dent in a tight budget. A standard adult ticket, bought on the day, is €30 (£25). First timers may feel the cost is worth it. But, if you’re making a return visit, consider a day of church bagging.

Away from the carved and gilt ceiling of the Atrio Quadrat and the guilded ceiling of Collegio, treasures include the basilica of San Giorgio Maggiore (it’s €6/£5 to enter its bell tower) and the oil on canvas at San Pantalon.

Bookshops are used to windowshoppers, although it’s tempting to come away with a haul. Try Libreria Acqua Alta, with its higgledy-piggledy collection, for photo album fodder and to spot its resident cats.

Book an exclusive view

The rooftop terrace of the Fondaco Dei Tedeschi shopping centre looks out over the Grand Canal and the Rialto Bridge, as well as across the rooftops. You can book a 15-minute slot on the centre’s website; some come up at the last minute. The cap on numbers means you won’t be jostling for the best view. Sunset is the ideal time to go. The mall is set to close this year, so now’s the time to visit.

Walking in quieter parts of the city is a highlight of any stay (Photo: Getty)

For a taxi from Marco Polo airport, expect to be quoted around €150 (£125). A coach or bus is a well-known, inexpensive option. Tickets are €10 (£8.30) each way. In Venice, they finish at the edge of the city, at Piazzale Roma. Choose a direct option for the shortest journey; the route isn’t scenic.

Once you’ve arrive, the water buses, or vaporetto, are a speedy way to cross canals. But, if you’re staying on the main island, you may not need a pass. Bought on the day, it’s €35 (£29) for two days of travel. If you’re happy to take the longer route, stick to walking. Afterall, wandering along canals and sidestreets is a joy in Venice.

Join a free walking tour

There are plenty of options if you want to orientate yourself without investing in a guided tour that can cost up to €100 (£83). Tours by Foot, for example, has options that focus on different neighbourhoods, each lasting about 2.5 hours. A tip of around €10-15 (£8-£12.50) would suffice.

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